3 out of 5 stars

If “This World of Tomorrow” has a cinematic quality, that’s likely because of the big cinematic name behind it. The play, which travels back and forth between the future and the past (specifically, the 1939 World’s Fair), is co-written by and stars Tom Hanks. And it indeed has that movie-ish feel in its tone and staging, to say nothing of the old-fashioned movie-ish romance between the characters played by Hanks and co-star Kelli O’Hara. The drama can often be a charmer – and it’s fun to watch Hanks on stage – but the plot is burdened by too many confusing details. — Charles Passy

At The Shed, through Dec. 21, 2025; theshed.org. (Review date: Nov. 18, 2025)